Varkala
is a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old
shrine of Lord Vishnu . This beach of Kerala is rich in
mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal
value.The beach at Varkala grew into prominence and caught
the attention of tourists only recently. A long sandy beach,
towering red laterite cliffs and soothing mineral springs
put Varkala in the not-to-miss category. A dip in the holy
waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and
the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for
this shore.

The
Papanasham beach at Varkala is quiet, clean and secluded unlike
the Kovalam international beach. Papanasam is a perfect place
to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon.The Janardhana
Temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered
to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important
Ayurveda treatment centre. The area is covered with coconut
palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season.
The 500-metre stretch is right below a cliff. At the break
of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam',
thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the
souls of ancestors rest in peace.

Fact
Files

By
Air The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram
(Trivandrum) about 55kms from Varkala and 176km from Cochin
international airportBy Rail Varkala has a railway station
of its ownBy Road Varkala is 55 Km North of Thiruvananthapuram
accessible by road NH - 47 via Kallambalam

Place
to visit:

Sivagiri
Mutt:
This Mutt is a religious site, founded by Sree Narayana Guru
(1856 – 1952), the famous philosopher and social reformer
of modern Kerala.Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree
Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.This mutt is situated at an
elavation, 3 km. east of the Janardhana temple. The ashram
is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers
are the Ezhavas. Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one
religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following
among the lower castes. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt
each year. Every afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served
at the mutt for Rs 10. The Sivagiri Gurusamathi, Sivagiri
Sarada Mutt & Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main buidings.

Papanasam
Beach (Varkala Beach):
16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has
been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam
consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost,
known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam
offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Sree
Janardhana Swamy Temple:
Sree Janardhana Swamy temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus
who visit this temple in huge numbers. This temple is built
on a hill top that has become a sobriquet for the region.
Non-Hindus, however, are not permitted entrance in the inner
sanctum but can hang around in the temple.

Anjengo
Fort
Anjengo Fort is the main garrison of the Dutch East India
Company and is situated very close to Varkala town. This fort
still reminisces the powerful position the East India Company
in the state.

Varkala
Tunnel
Varkala also has long a tunnel, the construction of which
began in 1867 and completed 1880. Popularly known as 'Varkala
Turuthu', this tunnel was built under the supervision of Divan
Sheshaya Sasthri and was extensively used for ferrying of
goods.

Nature
Cure Center
Situated near the Varkala beach, this is an excellent destination
for relaxation and rejuvenation of the body.